By Abimbola Ogunnaike
As part of efforts to curb the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have both agreed to partner on the conduct of drug tests for footballers in the country
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi and made available to media houses.
Babafemi noted that this was one of the high points of discussions between the leadership of the agency and the football league.
This development happened when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Gbenga Elegbeleye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in Abuja on Friday.
The statement mentioned that an ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche Egbe, were among the delegates on the courtesy visit.
In his remarks, Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency.
According to Elegbeleye, the activities of the agency have not only raised national awareness about the drug scourge but have equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and barons.
NPFL board chairman added that part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and the use of performance-enhancing drugs by footballers.
Elegbeleye said, “The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug tests on our players. Once they know we conduct drug tests, they will refrain from abusing illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA.”
“We are happy with your request for random drug tests for players. This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest,” Marwa stated.
He said the league should also consider mobilising star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.
